Barcelona begin LaLiga campaign with victory over Mallorca

Barcelona opened their title defence with a convincing 3-0 win against Mallorca at Son Moix on Saturday evening.

The champions started brightly, with Lamine Yamal at the heart of their early attacks. The 18-year-old was denied when his cut-back was cleared, but moments later he created the breakthrough. In the eighth minute, Yamal’s precise cross found Raphinha, who struck the season’s opening goal.

Barcelona doubled their lead midway through the first half. Yamal’s effort was headed away, but the loose ball fell to Ferran Torres, who finished smartly to make it 2-0 after 25 minutes.

Mallorca’s hopes then faded further. Manu Morlanes was dismissed on the half-hour after receiving a second yellow card for a foul on Yamal. Nine minutes later, Vedat Muriqi followed, shown a straight red for a dangerous challenge on Eric García. The hosts were left with nine men before half-time.

Barcelona nearly extended their advantage just after the restart. Yamal struck a half volley into the side netting, before sending a curling effort wide minutes later.

Mallorca goalkeeper Leo Román kept the scoreline respectable with a superb save from Dani Olmo’s header on 57 minutes. Raphinha clipped the post with another low strike soon after.

Substitutions followed as Hansi Flick introduced Marcus Rashford, Gavi and Héctor Fort Torrents in the 68th minute. The changes almost paid off immediately when Raphinha set up Olmo, whose shot struck the post.

Rashford looked lively late on, but twice missed opportunities to add to the score. In the 88th minute he failed to control a through ball, and later dribbled past a defender but lost the ball inside the area.

Barcelona finally sealed the victory in the fourth minute of added time. Yamal cut inside from the right, evaded challenges, and curled in a fine finish for 3-0. It was a fitting end to a match in which he had been the standout performer, recording a goal and an assist.

Sixports reports that Mallorca, although reduced to nine players for much of the contest, worked hard to limit the damage but created little in attack as the Catalans goalkeeper, Joan Garcia, remained largely untested throughout.

For Barcelona, it was a controlled performance to begin the season. Yamal’s influence highlighted his growing importance, while Raphinha and Ferran provided early contributions.

The champions return to action against Levante next weekend, while Mallorca hosts Celta Vigo in search of their first points of the campaign.